Compass™ Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide 2130961 Rev 1.
Preface Important Notice Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
Preface Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under license. Macintosh® is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners. Contact Information Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488 Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time E-mail: sales@sierrawireless.
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Contents Introducing the Compass USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Services supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Your account and coverage area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Compass USB modem software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Frequency band support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Care and Maintenance of Your Compass USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Regulatory and Safety Information . . . . . . . . . .
1: Introducing the Compass USB Modem • Services supported • Your account and coverage area • Compass USB modem software • Frequency band support 1 The Compass™ USB third generation (3G) wireless modem enables you to connect to the Internet, send and receive email, connect to a corporate network or virtual private network (VPN), or view streaming video, without the need for a cable. The modem fits into Type A USB ports. The Compass USB modem is TRU-Install™ enabled.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide • Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)— 236 kbps • General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)—56 kbps GPRS and EDGE are second generation (2G) data services. UMTS and HSDPA/HSUPA are 3G data services. When establishing a connection, your Compass USB modem uses the fastest available service.
Introducing the Compass USB Modem Compass USB modem software The Compass USB modem comes with connection management software. Depending on your carrier, it may come with carrier-specific software or the following software made by Sierra Wireless: • 3G Watcher for Windows®. Use this software to manage the Compass USB modem and monitor your connections.
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2: Getting Started 2 Follow the instructions in this chapter to set up and start using your Compass USB modem. To use your Compass USB modem, you’ll need: Note: Keep a written record in a secure place of the account information that your service provider gives you.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Note: If you are running Windows 2000, Windows Installer Redistrib utable 2.0 must be installed. This is available on the Microsoft web site, www.microsoft.com. Insert the SIM card Note: To prevent the SIM card from becoming jammed in its slot, ensure the edge of the card is smooth before inserting it. Do not attach labels to your SIM card as this may also cause it to jam. 1.
Getting Started Note: Do not forcefully insert the Compass USB modem as you may damage connector pins. Note: Do not insert the Compass USB modem into a USB hub or a USB slot on a keyboard. The Compass USB modem comes with TRU-Install™, a Sierra Wireless feature that installs the necessary software the first time you insert the Compass USB modem into your computer. (You do not need an installation CD.) 2. The installation process starts automatically when you insert the modem.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Once the software is successfully installed and the profile is set up, the Compass USB modem is ready to use. Anytime you use the Compass USB modem with the same computer, TRU-Install verifies that the correct software is already installed. This process takes a few seconds. If you need to re-install the software, see page 28.
Getting Started You can also attach the lanyard to the cap. ➊ ➋ Rev 1.0 Apr.
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3: Using your Compass USB Modem • Removing a SIM card • Using the microSD card • Connection management software 3 Your HSPA Compass USB modem has connectors for an external antenna and a USB port. It also has slots for a SIM card and a microSD external storage card. LEDs on the front of the modem provide status information. Cap microSD card and SIM card slots USB connector Data LED Power LED External antenna connector Rev 1.0 Apr.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide LEDs The Compass USB modem has two LEDs that show the current status of the modem. LED Power Data 20 State Indicates Off Indicates one of the following states: • The modem is not inserted in the computer. • The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode. • The modem radio has been turned off using Watcher (Tools > Turn Radio Off) or another connection client. Solid Blue The power is on, the modem is working normally.
Using your Compass USB Modem Removing a SIM card Chapter 2 provides instructions for inserting the SIM. To remove the SIM card from the Compass USB modem: 1. Remove the cap. 2. Push the SIM card in and then release it. 3. Remove the SIM card. Using the microSD card The Compass USB modem is built to accommodate a microSD external storage card. Note: Complete the software installation before using a microSD card. See “Getting Started” on page 13. Rev 1.0 Apr.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide To use a microSD card: 1. If there is a non-functional microSD card in the lower slot: a. Press it in and then release it. b. Gently remove the non-functional microSD card. 2. Insert the microSD card into the lower slot at the end of the modem, as shown in the illustration. SIM card slot microSD card slot 3. Insert the Compass USB modem into the computer’s USB slot.
Using your Compass USB Modem Removing the microSD card Tip: To help conserve battery life, remove the microSD card when you are not using it. To remove the microSD card: 1. Remove the cap. 2. Push the microSD card in and then release it. 3. Gently pull the microSD card out. Using the extension cable and laptop clip Depending on your service provider, your Compass USB modem may come with an extension cable and clip. The clip fits on the top of your laptop and holds your Compass USB modem.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide 3. Place the modem in the clip holder. 4. Connect the other end of the extension cable to the USB slot on your computer. Compass USB modem Clip Extension cable Note: Your clip may look slightly different from the one shown in the illustration. Connection management software Your Compass USB modem comes with Sierra Wireless 3G Watcher or other connection management software, depending on your carrier.
Using your Compass USB Modem • Set options related to notifications and the 3G Watcher window • Create or modify an account profile You do not need to run 3G Watcher when you use the Compass USB modem, but 3G Watcher does provide useful status information. Launching 3G Watcher Unless this feature has been disabled, 3G Watcher launches automatically anytime you insert the Compass USB modem.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Signal strength and service status. The number of bars beside the antenna increases as signal strength increases, to a maximum of five bars. The ToolTip that displays when you position the mouse pointer over this indicator shows the numeric value of the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) in dBm. An antenna with a line through it indicates no service is available (Not in Service).
Using your Compass USB Modem Indicators in 3G Watcher Data transmission. When the modem is connected to the network, the main 3G Watcher window shows the amount of data received and sent. Status icons These icons appear in the system tray (usually in the lower right corner of your screen). Watcher cannot detect the Compass USB modem. Ensure that the Compass USB modem is inserted properly and powered on. You do not have an active high-speed connection. You have an active high-speed connection.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Frequency band selection Every GSM network operates on one set of frequency bands. The Compass USB modem is designed to change frequency bands automatically to obtain network service. You can also change frequency bands manually from the Network tab of the User Options window (Tools > Options > Network). Note: Unless your service provider specifies otherwise, it is recom mended that you use the Automatic setting.
Using your Compass USB Modem If you have canceled the software installation process or removed the modem from the computer before the software installation process was complete, you may receive error messages when you try to reinstall the software. If that happens: 1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs and remove TRU-Install. 2. Insert the modem into the computer. Note: Do not remove the modem until the software installation process is complete. Rev 1.0 Apr.
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4: Care and Maintenance of Your Compass USB Modem 4 As with any electronic device, the Compass USB modem must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines when you use and store your Compass USB modem: Rev 1.0 Apr.08 • Do not apply adhesive labels to the SIM card. This may cause it to jam inside the slot, or prevent it from being inserted properly. • When not installed in your computer, store the Compass USB modem and SIM card in a safe place.
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5: Technical Specifications 5 Radio frequency and electrical specifications Table 5-1: Radio frequency and electrical specifications Compliance GSM Release 6 Transmit GSM 1900 (PCS): 1850 to 1910 MHz GSM 1800 (DCS):1710 to 1785 MHz EGSM 900: 880 to 915 MHz GSM 850: 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA 2100 (Band I): 1920 to 1980 MHz WCDMA 1900 (Band II): 1850 to 1910 MHz WCDMA 850 (Band V): 824 to 849 MHz Receive GSM 1900 (PCS): 1930 to 1990 MHz GSM 1800 (DCS): 1805 to 1880 MHz EGSM 900: 925 to 960 MHz GSM 850: 869
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Environmental specifications 34 Operating temperature 0°C to +50°C (+32°F to +122°F) Storage temperature -20°C to +85°C (-4°F to +185°F) Humidity 85%, non-condensing Vibration Random vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6G RMS in each of 3 mutually perpendicular axes. Test duration of 60 minutes for each axis, for a total test time of 3 hours (non-operating).
6: Regulatory and Safety Information 6 Important notice Because of the nature of wireless communications, trans mission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (that is, have errors), or be totally lost.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide • On board aircraft In addition to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) require ments, many airline regulations state that you must sus pend wireless operations before boarding an aircraft. The Compass 885 USB modem is capable of transmitting sig nals that could interfere with various onboard systems and controls. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, legal action, or both.
Regulatory and Safety Information • Health Canada, Safety Code 6, 1999, Limits of Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz • International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998, Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) These devices are only authorized to be used in laptop computers that are identical or substantially similar to those in its grant a
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide If you have purchased this product under a United States Government contract, it shall be subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFARs) Section 252.227-7013 for Department of Defense contracts, and as set forth in Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FARs) Section 52.227-19 for civilian agency contracts or any successor regulations.
Regulatory and Safety Information EU regulatory conformity Sierra Wireless hereby declares that the Compass 885 USB wireless modem conforms to all the essential requirements of Directive 1999/5/EC: The Declaration of Conformity made under Directive 1999/5/ EC is available for viewing at the following location in the EU community: Sierra Wireless (UK), Limited Lakeside House 1 Furzeground Way, Stockley Park East Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1BD England Rev 1.0 Apr.
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Index Numerics 3G Watcher introduction, 24 launching, 25 A account, 10 antenna description, 9 icon, 26 C frequencies receive, 33 transmit, 33 frequency stability, 33 G GPRS connection status, 26 indicator, 26 H channel raster, 33 channel spacing, 33 clip, 23 Compass USB modem, inserting, 14 connect to the network, 15 coverage, 26 coverage area, 10 HSDPA connection status, 26 indicator, 26 HSDPA / HSUPA connection status, 26 HSDPA / HSUPA indicator, 26 HSPA connection, 26 HSUPA connection status, 26 H
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide LEDs, 20 M Macintosh OSX support, 13 memory card, 9 memory required, 13 micro external memory card, 21 microSD, 9, 21 modem, inserting, 14 N network overview, 10 selection, 28 O online help, 25 operating systems supported, 13 P power options, power up/down, 27 profile, 13, 15 R radio frequency specifications, 33 receive frequencies, 33 regulatory information, 35 remote antenna, 9 requirements, software, 14 RF specifications, 33 roaming, 10 roaming indic
